Ever wished you could jet off with your loved one to an exotic locale straight out of the movies? These honeymoon destinations are inspired by some of our favourite flicks.  By Lisa van der Knaap

Tuscany, Italy

From the movie… Under the Tuscan Sun

Why the movie sold the destination… Thanks to its awe-inspiring landscapes, Tuscany is considered one of the most beautiful regions of Italy and this movie takes us into the heart of the Italian countryside. Add to that glorious weather, small-town charm, lots of vino and a scrumptious accent – who could say no?

When to go… Italy’s weather is variable, thanks to its many regions, but Tuscany generally is quite mild. At the height of summer (July and August), Tuscany is at its most colourful and abundant, but this is also the busiest season. The best time to go is from mid-April to June and September to October, when the weather is good (low teens to twenties), prices are lower and there are fewer tourists; there is more chance of rain in spring and autumn, though.

What to take... Make sure you have good walking shoes, plus one or two jerseys or jackets for the mornings and evenings.

Places of interest… Tuscany is a place people return to time and again thanks to its beautiful setting, with farmhouses dotted among seemingly endless vineyards and gently rolling hillsides. You can experience the breathtaking scenery in true country style: walking, hiking and cycling are top of the list of things to do here. The area is also renowned for its famous art cities, hand-crafted products, good food and excellent wine, which is why it’s the ideal place for foodie couples to take a cooking course from a true Italian mama. This is a chilled-out option for newlyweds who want to spend some quality time together and simply unwind. Of course, you have to fly in via Rome, which offers its own must-visits, including the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, where it’s rumoured that if you throw in three coins your love will last and you will return to Rome. From there, you could easily include a few days in Venice or fashion-fabulous Milan – or stay in the spirit of things and travel to Verona, where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is set.

Where to stay… Comfortable and elegant, the NH Excelsior Hotel in Siena is an ideal spot from which to admire sweeping countryside and popular Tuscan city sights such as art galleries, museums and medieval architecture. Visit www.nh-hotels.com.

 

India

From the movie… Eat, Pray, Love

Why the movie sold the destination… Each destination – Italy, India and Bali – visited by Elizabeth Gilbert helped us experience a different part of her “journey”, with India filling the “pray” quotient of this equation. We get brief glimpses of frantic Delhi, but mostly we see the spiritual aspects of this amazing country. While we all can’t go to an ashram to find ourselves for a few months, India might be the perfect place to find yourselves as a couple.

When to go… As India is so big, the weather varies markedly between the north and the south. Summer temperatures can sometimes reach up to 44°C with accompanying humidity, so your best bet is to go during the cooler months (November to February) when the temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C, depending on where you go.

What to take… A good pair of walking shoes never goes amiss, but mostly it’s about dressing in layers – make sure you have jeans and a few scarves in your suitcase.

Places of interest… India is definitely for the adventurous couple who want to add a dash of culture to their honeymoon. The good news is that your holiday can be anything from budget to five star and include cities, beaches or the countryside. The Golden Triangle, made up of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, is a popular route. In Delhi, travel by tuk-tuk to visit the city’s most famous monument, the Red Fort. Chandi Chowk, the main street in Old Delhi, also has one of the oldest markets in the city. If you’re brave, try the Delhi street food, or simply enjoy a cup of chai. Afterwards, the magnificent Lodi Gardens are a wonderfully quiet spot. You can’t escape the majestic architectural masterpiece of the Taj Mahal in Agra (a monument of love, immortalising a Mughal emperor’s feelings for his wife): its beauty and spirituality will take your breath away. The third part of the triangle is Jaipur, which has stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces; it’s also famous for its precious and semi-precious stones.

Where to stay… If you’re keen to experience India in luxury then book your spot at the Pataudi Palace Resort in Gurgaon, Delhi and enjoy comfortable accommodation, excellent cuisine, an impressive golf course and more. Visit www.india-hotels-resorts.com.

 

Greece

From the movie… Mamma Mia!

Why the movie sold the destination… The gorgeous turquoise waters and white sandy beaches meant that the Greek islands became another character in the movie, and with a wedding being planned it showed that the islands are an idyllic choice for lovebirds.

When to go… For the most part, weather on the mainland and the islands is usually the same with mild winters and warm summers, only cooled slightly by different seasonal winds. Remember, some Greek shop and restaurant owners on the islands head back to the mainland in winter, so the best time to travel is in summer (June to September) when it’s hot and dry. You can generally expect temperatures to vary from 25°C to 35°C, with very little rainfall.

What to take… As little as possible! You could easily get away with a couple of bikinis, shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops, plus a few summer dresses for day or night.

Places of interest… You need about a day in Athens to see the world-famous Acropolis. From there, all the islands have great beaches – you just have to work out how much time you have. Travelling from the mainland and between the islands varies from plane rides, which take an hour or two, to much slower ferries, which can take up to a day. Mykonos is one of the most popular islands and is known for the brightly coloured doors on its houses and equally colourful nightlife. In contrast, Santorini is one of the most romantic of the islands, with little villages boasting sea views and breathtaking sunsets. Other popular islands to explore include Kos, Paros and Crete, as well as Skiathos and Skopelos where the movie was filmed.

Where to stay… Chill out at the Skopelos Village Hotel in Skopelos (www.skopelosvillagehotel.com) and the Kassandra Bay Hotel in Skiathos (www.kassandrabay.com).

 

Dubai

From the movie… Sex and the City 2

Why the movie sold the destination… Sweeping shots of the arid desert not only made a neutral backdrop for the oh-so-fabulous fashion, it also showcased a land of contrasts that we sometimes forget about when we’re planning holidays.

When to go… Where possible, try to avoid Dubai during its summer months (May to October), when the temperature can reach 40°C with high humidity levels. Rather go from November to April, when temperatures are more pleasant at around 25°C; just watch out for occasional showers.

What to take… To respect the culture, men should only wear shorts if they’re on the beach, so light long trousers are preferable. For women, knee-length skirts, Capri pants and tops which cover your shoulders are fine. Remember to take long dresses or trousers to wear to mosques.

Places of interest… Only a part of Dubai adopts the “bigger is better” philosophy. This is definitely the case at Ski Dubai, a ski slope inside one of the massive malls, where you can also shop till you drop for big brands. The magnificent Burj Al Arab (the famous sail-shaped, seven-star hotel) is a must-see. In contrast to this is the Bastakiya district, the city’s old quarter where you can see traditional courtyard houses. But there’s so much more to keep you busy. A must-do is a 4×4 desert safari – you’re taken far into the desert where you can ride a camel, go sandboarding, get a henna tattoo and dine under the stars. A hot-air balloon ride across the desert is truly magical. You could also simply chill out at the beaches. Persuade your hubby to take you to Dubai’s Gold Souk – crammed with necklaces, rings and the like – and in return you could play golf on one of Dubai’s famous golf courses or take a seaplane flight together.

Where to stay… Splash out in Dubai at Atlantis, The Palm – Sol Kerzner’s spectacular, larger-than-life entertainment resort, situated on the man-made Palm Island. Visit www.atlantisthepalm.com.

 

Paris, France

From the movie… Moulin Rouge

Why the movie sold the destination… Baz Luhrmann overwhelmed our senses with the “City of Light and Love”, selling us the romance, the bright lights… and the cabaret show, of course.

When to go... Paris is known for its unexpected showers and mild weather throughout the year – temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C. Peak season is during the summer (June to August), when the pavement cafés really come alive. However, since this is when most travellers flock to the city, springtime may be a better time to go. Autumn is another good option: beautiful red-leaved trees line the boulevards and temperatures are usually in the low 20s. December and January are the coldest months, only reaching about 3°C.

What to take… It’s a good idea to take a small umbrella.  Depending on when you go, a light jacket, a few jerseys and long trousers would serve you well.

Places of interest… The Eiffel Tower is not to be missed and is absolutely magical at night. A walk down the Champs-Élysées is a lovely way to pass a few hours (lusting after high-end brands like Louis Vuitton in the boutiques), finishing with the Arc de Triomphe. Here, you can climb to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. A river cruise down the Seine is another romantic way to become acquainted with Paris. There’s also the Notre Dame cathedral and the Louvre Museum, where you can have a closer look at the Mona Lisa. Of course, there’s all the French food, which you can enjoy at the world-famous bistros, before heading off to a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge. The Champagne region is also just a few hours’ drive from Paris and definitely worth the trip. Depending on when you go, you could add skiing in the Alps to your list.

Where to stay... Located in the heart of Paris, the four-star Saint James & Albany Hotel-Spa offers luxurious accommodation, indulgent spa pampering and easy access to major attractions such as the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées. Visit www.saintjamesalbany.parishotels.it.